New Idaho Handbook seeks to define what makes Idaho Idaho | Opinion
The phrase, “Don’t change Idaho, let Idaho change you,” has been a well-known local adage meant to convey what it means to be an Idahoan — and a message to newcomers to not inflict their agenda on Idaho.
Now, a group called Idaho Kind has created an Idaho Handbook meant to let newcomers know what Idaho is all about.
“As our population and cultural landscape evolve, unique challenges emerge, making it even more important to preserve the distinct culture that has been shaped through generations,” according to the handbook’s introduction. “By promoting and conserving shared core values throughout growth, Idaho Kind aims to fortify our culture for future generations to enjoy.”
I got an early look at the first few pages of the Idaho Handbook that the group made public (the full handbook is being released at the Green Acres Food Truck Park Tuesday Night Market which runs 5-9 p.m. Tuesday).
The handbook centers around what it calls Idaho’s Core Values:
- Helpful
- Authentic
- Resourceful
- Adventure
- Grit
It’s not a bad list. One of the first things I noticed when moving to Idaho, particularly covering the then-small town of Kuna and still-small town of Melba, was the community spirit of helping others.
While a local farmer was deployed to the Middle East during the first Gulf War, the neighboring farmers all tended his fields while he was away. I was over at Richard Durrant’s farm one day, and a neighboring farmer came in and asked Richard if he could borrow his combine (of course).
At his farm retirement auction, Gary Drake’s sweaty old hat and cowboy boots were “auctioned off,” raising thousands of dollars as a kind of going-away present. As I watched the scene unfold on a crisp late winter morning in the middle of Gary’s field behind his farmhouse, I thought I was standing in the middle of a Norman Rockwell painting.
I can’t say that this is completely unique to Idaho. I grew up in rural New York state, surrounded by corn fields and small dairies, and our family was the beneficiary each summer of a load of fresh corn straight from the fields personally delivered by the farmer. I’ve lived in New Mexico, Ohio and San Francisco, and I can honestly say I’ve run into generous, salt-of-the-earth people everywhere I’ve lived.
Is it more so in Idaho? Perhaps.
But I wouldn’t argue that we shouldn’t change Idaho’s character traits, and I wouldn’t quibble with other attributes on the list, agreeing that the people I know who represent the Idaho Way are authentic, resourceful and have grit.
There is a section on Idaho outdoors, explaining that Idahoans treasure our public lands. It’s certainly one of the things that drew me to Idaho.
I agree with the handbook’s “5 ways to honor Idaho outdoors”: Share a smile; leave no trace; keep skies dark; respect the quiet; prevent wildfires.
Another section talks about “Idaho’s heart” and being a good neighbor.
We’ve all heard visitors talk about how Boiseans smile and say hello. The handbook acknowledges that, suggesting that newcomers know your neighbor, be respectful, take pride in shared spaces, offer a helping hand and support local businesses.
This is all good stuff, but based on the newcomers we’ve seen coming into Idaho the past few years, I would add a few more to the list.
Don’t come to Idaho to ban books. Don’t come here to shut down our libraries.
Don’t badmouth our local schools as “the failing public education system” and advocate for school vouchers.
Don’t be the cause of a measles or whooping cough outbreak. Please do get yourselves and your kids vaccinated and protect our public health.
Do respect our gay and transgender friends, neighbors and family. Let them live their lives and enjoy the same rights everyone else does.
“Idahoans see each other’s humanity and foster a community built on mutual respect, kindness and coexistence,” the handbook reads. “To be part of Idaho’s community is to live with a sense of connection and belief that when one of us thrives, we all do.”
And for Pete’s sake, don’t tell everyone you disagree with to “move somewhere else.”
Scott McIntosh is the communities editor and columnist for the Idaho Statesman. You can email him at smcintosh@idahostatesman.com or call him at 208-377-6202. Sign up for his free weekly email newsletter The Idaho Way.
